Group Internal Auditor

Michael Page; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page in Dubai seeks a senior internal audit professional to build and lead the group’s internal audit and control framework across GCC. The role covers retail, manufacturing and corporate operations with regular travel.

You will establish methodologies, manage risk assessments, and oversee audits spanning financial, operational and compliance areas while reporting to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Audit or related field.
• Professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CA, CIA or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of internal audit, risk, controls or compliance experience.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Experience delivering risk-based audit programmes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the group's internal audit and control framework.
• Establish audit methodologies, policies and reporting standards.
• Build enterprise-wide risk assessment processes and risk registers.
• Develop and execute annual risk-based audit plans across the business.
• Conduct operational, financial, compliance and process audits.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and governance practices.
• Drive loss prevention initiatives covering cash handling and inventory.
• Review supplier onboarding, purchasing controls and vendor compliance.
• Prepare audit reports with practical recommendations and action plans.
• Track remediation activities and ensure timely closure of audit findings.
• Travel periodically across the UAE and Kuwait to conduct audits.

Skills

Internal audit

Risk management

Governance

Controls testing

Fraud investigations

Auditing multi-site

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Audit

ACA/ACCA/CPA/CIMA/CIA

Tools

ERP systems

POS systems

Job description

Job Description

• Build a high-impact audit function from the ground up
• Gain broad GCC exposure across multiple business lines

About Our Client

Our client is a diversified consumer business operating across the Food & Beverage sector, with activities spanning retail, manufacturing, and product innovation. The organisation has an established regional presence and is focused on driving operational excellence, strengthening governance, and supporting sustainable growth across its portfolio.

Job Description

• Develop and implement the group's internal audit and control framework.
• Establish audit methodologies, policies, and reporting standards.
• Build and maintain enterprise-wide risk assessment processes and risk registers.
• Develop and execute annual risk-based audit plans across the business.
• Conduct operational, financial, compliance, and process audits.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and governance practices.
• Perform audits across retail stores, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and support functions.
• Carry out surprise audits, cash counts, inventory counts, and site inspections.
• Analyse ERP, POS, payroll, and financial data to identify trends, risks, and control weaknesses.
• Lead investigations into losses, policy breaches, fraud concerns, and operational irregularities.
• Drive loss prevention initiatives covering cash handling, inventory control, and procurement.
• Review supplier onboarding, purchasing controls, and vendor compliance.
• Monitor stock accuracy, wastage, shrinkage, and operational efficiency.
• Assess compliance with business policies, procedures, and brand standards.
• Prepare audit reports with practical recommendations and action plans.
• Track remediation activities and ensure timely closure of audit findings.
• Support the development and enhancement of policies, SOPs, and governance frameworks.
• Evaluate business continuity, crisis management, and risk mitigation practices.
• Support whistleblowing investigations and fraud prevention initiatives.
• Provide regular reporting and independent assurance to senior leadership.
• Travel periodically across the UAE and Kuwait to conduct audits and site visits.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Audit, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CA, CIA, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of internal audit, risk, controls, or compliance experience.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Experience delivering risk-based audit programmes.
• Exposure to fraud investigations and loss prevention activities.
• Experience auditing multi-site or multi-entity organisations.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Knowledge of UAE business and regulatory environments.
• Fluent English required. Arabic would be advantageous.
• Ability to travel within the GCC when required.

What's On Offer

• Dubai-based leadership opportunity with regional exposure
• Opportunity to build and shape the internal audit function
• Direct access to senior leadership and key decision makers
• Broad scope across retail, manufacturing, and corporate operations
• Opportunity to influence governance and business performance
• Fast-paced and growing consumer-focused business

Contact: Cheyenne Coutinho

Quote job ref: JN-092026-7100087